Juvenile Probation Counselor-Juvenile Court Services

Juvenile Probation Counselor

This position provides professional supervision of youth referred to the court for criminal acts and select non-offender matters under the umbrella of balanced and restorative justice principles. Clark County Juvenile Court Statement of Values At our core we believe the power of Diversity enriches everyone. Diversity brings a range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design and deliver solutions.

We strive to create and maintain a working and service environment that is safe, inclusive, equitable and welcoming. To this end we will treat all people with dignity and respect. If you do not share our values, please do not apply. Women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ communities, who are historically underrepresented in the law and justice profession are strongly encouraged to apply.

This position works as part of a 4-person team in the Connections Unit to provide family centered services using the wraparound process to youth that have behavioral health issues. The Probation Counselor will utilize research and evidenced based approaches in working with assigned youth. Washington State utilizes the Case Management Assessment Process (CMAP) as established by the Washington Association of Juvenile Court Administrators.

The Probation Counselor will use CMAP principals to guide interactions and case planning for youthful offenders. Working with pre-adjudicated and adjudicated youth, the Probation Counselor oversees, and counsels assigned youth. The Probation Counselor will utilize evidence-based practices to increase competencies of youth accused of committing crimes; and counsels and monitors youth on community supervision via working with parents and/or guardians, school officials, law enforcement officers, social workers, and other community resources.

Duties also involve working with and providing direction to case aides, interns, and volunteers; preparing affidavits, warrants, reports to the court and other information; attending court at hearings; providing liaison services with victims of crimes and determining restitution amounts. This is a non-represented position.

EDUCATION:

Requires a bachelor's degree in social science, criminal justice, law enforcement or closely related field and two (2) years of professional work experience in youth related services. The degree must have been conferred by an institution of higher education and have National Recognition of Accrediting Agencies by the U.S. Secretary of Education, and official transcripts will be required at the time of hire.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate will have the following strengths:

• Experience working with at-risk juveniles who also have behavioral health issues is highly desirable.
• Experience working on teams.
• An understanding of balanced and restorative justice principles.
• Experience with personal computers and related word processing applications.

Knowledge of:
Restorative justice principles; strength-based practices; rehabilitation, probation, and social casework; causes and treatment of juvenile delinquency; behavioral health issues; investigative techniques applicable to crimes by and against juveniles; operational characteristics, services, and activities of a juvenile services program; principles of human behavior and juvenile psychology; pertinent laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to: counsel juvenile offenders and family members; respond to the needs of victims and the community; assess risk and protective factors; assess strengths and needs; communicate with youth and adults in a manner that gains respect and confidence; exercise good judgment; enforce rules and regulations positively; apply effective counseling skills in crisis situations; work collaboratively; teach youth skills to increase competencies;

work efficiently on teams; organize and maintain case records. In addition, this position requires an ability to analyze and evaluate data and prepare reports; provide support to clients, including problem-solving and motivating participation in positive activities; assess skills, problems,…